Dan
Thu Nov 02 11:26:11 CST 2006
Just a couple of thoughts on this ....
1. "Master Document" here does not refer (I hope) to the Microsoft Word
feature called "Master Document". <s> Even Microsoft will tell you not to
use that feature.
2. The ABSOLUTE WORST WAY IN THE WORLD to create HTML is to use any Office
app, and Word is possibly the worst of the lot.
3. The best help authoring tool I've used is actually a Fox application. Go
to
http://www.west-wind.com and download his help builder. It's designed for
documenting class libraries (and .NET assemblies) but it's a dandy general
purpose help tool as well.
Dan
Phrank wrote:
> "Pastor Hank" wrote:
>
>> OK, I know this is basic and the answer is right before my eyes, but
>> my eyes are old and I can't find it....
>>
>> I want to create a *&^%*&() help file and I'm looking for a
>> tutorial....where can I find how to info
>>
>> Thank you
>
> Maybe I can shed a little more light on this for you. I have designed
> help for several projects in the past. Here is how we do it:
>
> 1. Design a manual in Word. Use a "Master Document" to control
> formatting for the entire manual. Each chapter would be a
> sub-document. The master document just has links to each
> sub-document. Lets say you have a customers database in your
> application. You would create a Customers.doc by pasting the customer
> screen in the document and then describing each button you have on
> the form. Add / Edit / Delete / and the nav buttons etc. You also
> would describe each field on the form.
>
> The master document would have a name like myapp.doc. myapp being the
> name of your application. An overview would be a chapter and also a
> sub-document. Maybe you have an inventory database thus create an
> Inventory.doc. You Master Document in word would just have links to
> each chapter. Review 'Master Documents" in the word help. It is easy.
>
> Once the manual is done in word you can have it printed if the
> customers wants a printed manual. Next you open each chapter and save
> it as an html file. Do this with Save As and the Type button. You
> then open the HtmlHelp program and import each chapter. IE. Import
> the Overview.html document and next maybe the Customers.html. Next
> maybe Inventory.html. etc.
>
> Then choose the compile button in the HtmlHelp program. It creates a
> manual just like the one you designed in word but has an extension of
> .chm. Look in your c:\windows\help directory on your pc and you will
> find that microsoft has all of the main help files created this way.
> Something .chm.
>
> In your VFP program you use a Set Help To myapp.chm. Then when a user
> hits the F1 key your chm help file will come up and look just like
> all the ones they are used to seeing in windows - Even the VFP help
> file.
>
> Hope this helps. Takes a little patience - like learning any new
> program - but works well.